Fisheries and Oceans Canada has the mandate to protect wild salmon stocks including pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago.  We are committed to investigating all possible causes for the fluctuations in pink salmon, including sea lice, which is why we are once again carrying out a comprehensive 16-week marine and freshwater sampling project from May to August.

The results of the first week of our sampling program showed noticeably more lice infection in both pink and chum salmon compared with last year's program. However, we caution that these results are from only the first week of a 16-week program. No conclusions can be drawn until more results are available.

Pink salmon populations are known for large swings in abundance. Little is known about the link between the fluctuations of pink salmon production, sea lice and salmon farms. DFO is investigating all the possible causes for the decline of the pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago

The results from DFO's 2003 marine monitoring suggested there was no impact on the size and health of fish from sea lice infections. The first week results this year show no differences in the size of infected and non-infected juvenile salmon.

One possible explanation for these preliminary results is that water temperature and salinity levels in the Broughton Archipelago and along the entire BC coast are higher this year than last year.   Last year's research showed a strong relationship between prevalence of sea lice and eater temperatures and salinities.

We will continue to scrutinize the samples from our 2004 marine monitoring program to see if any patterns emerge. 

Like last year, the results from weekly samplings done by DFO scientists in the Broughton Archipelago will be posted on the departmental website (link to preliminary 2004 results).  We will also continue to closely collaborate with stakeholders as results become available.  Individuals are invited to consult the website for continual updates:

http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/mehsd/sea_lice/2004/2004_intro_e.htm

FAQ's

http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/release/p-releas/2004/statement-sealice-faqs.htm